Learning Facilities

The instruction belongs to the following themes

By selecting a degree programme you are able to see the general content as well as the possible degree programme-specific content. You do not have to select a degree programme to see the Open University's instructions.

As a student, the University’s extensive variety of learning environments and facilities are at your disposal. Here you can find information about these facilities, such as libraries and learning centres. Information about digital learning environments can be found here.

For more information about other University facilities and contact information for problem situations, see the page University facilities.

Learning centres
Helsinki University Library
Think Corner
Language Centre teaching facilities
Computer laboratories
Other on-campus facilities for independent study

Learning centres

The City Centre Campus has two learning centres intended for studying: Aleksandria and Minerva.

Both centres provide space for individual studying as well as group work. In addition, Aleksandria has more than 300 computers, some of which are reserved for quick use. Learning Centre Aleksandria is available for students practically 24 hours a day. If you wish to access Aleksandria outside the official opening hours, you can apply for a night access key. All attending students of the University of Helsinki can apply for the key. The night access key is not available to Open University students or students from other universities.

Aleksandria, Minerva and the Kaisa House library also have mobile storage units available to University of Helsinki students who are working on their master’s theses. The carts are a convenient way to store and transport the tools and equipment you need. Read more about the mobile storage units on the library's website. 

Equipment in the Aleksandria IT facilities

In addition to computer terminals and printers, Aleksandria has teaching and group work spaces, copiers, three scanners as well as work stations available for laptop users. In addition, some of the computers have been equipped with a selection of specialist software, for example for photo editing and layouts.

Helsinki University Library

Each campus has its own campus library with a collection of literature relating to the degree programmes taught on each campus. The libraries have quiet spaces for work, and some offer group work spaces that can be reserved. For more information, go to the library instructions page. You can also visit the website of the Helsinki University Library.

Campus libraries

• City Centre Campus:  Helsinki University Main Library, Kaisa House, Fabianinkatu 30

• Kumpula Campus:  Kumpula Campus Library, Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2

• Meilahti Campus:  Meilahti Campus Library Terkko, Haartmaninkatu 4

• Viikki Campus:  Viikki Campus Library, Viikinkaari 11 a

Most of the library facilities and learning centres are wheelchair accessible. Check the opening hours from the library website and use the floor maps to discover the facilities and services available at each location.

You can also explore the National Library, Finland’s oldest and most extensive academic library and a part of the University of Helsinki.

How can you find academic articles and literature in your field?  Use LibraryGuides to find discipline-specific sources. 

Think Corner

Think Corner is an open science arena for events, collaborative working and learning, networking as well as sharing and developing ideas. It is located in the heart of the city campus (Yliopistonkatu 4). The main venue space Stage is the hot spot of Think Corner, a meeting point and an arena for researchers, specialists, influencers and the public. Have a cup of coffee, breakfast or lunch at Tiedekulma Cafe, and visit Tiedekulma Shop for a good selection of both Finnish and English books as well as University of Helsinki products.

Coworking Basement, situated in the Think Corner basement, is a relaxed and inspiring coworking space suitable for both group work and independent work. Every Thursday, we organise Tomato Thursday, which is dedicated to intensive task-oriented work or reading using the Pomodoro Technique. In addition, Think Corner offers multi-use spaces also on the other floors, whether you prefer working in café surroundings or more laid-back on a sofa.

All the working spaces are available on a first come, first served basis, except the bookable group work corner in the Coworking Basement. Our energetic hosts help with the facilities and can be contacted, among other things, for equipment and chargers to borrow.

Language Centre teaching facilities

Teaching spaces in the Language Centre are available to independent student work during times when there is no teaching.

Computer laboratories

The IT Centre offers work spaces with computers for all members of the University community on the City Centre, Kumpula and Viikki Campuses. These include large general facilities, classrooms and terminals for quick use. Most of the facilities are equipped with printers. More information about the work spaces can be found in Flamma (requires logging in).

More information about night access to computer laboratories and instructions for applying for a night access key are posted on the Helpdesk website.

Other on-campus facilities for independent study

Facilities intended for students’ independent work have been added to all University of Helsinki campuses. Please note that the facilities designed for independent study opened in September 2021 also serve as teaching facilities, making them available for independent study only when they are not booked for other activities. 

For more information on independent study facilities, the reservation status of the facilities and the space rules, please refer to the Student Instructions, section "Other on-campus facilities for independent study ".